Cancer patients and survivors across the state are marking the American Cancer Society’s 46th annual Great American Smokeout today by calling on elected officials to implement strong tobacco control legislation in an attempt to protect the health of all Hoosiers.
“The Great American Smokeout is about helping people quit, and we know that significantly increasing Indiana’s tobacco tax and dedicating some of the revenue to tobacco control programs is one of the best ways to encourage quitting,” said Bryan Hannon, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network government relations director. “A tax increase of $2 per pack of cigarettes with an equivalent tax on all other tobacco products is a win-win. In addition to increasing revenue for public health, a significant increase in the cigarette tax would save lives and prevent thousands of kids from a lifetime of tobacco addiction.”
“As we get ready to gather for the Thanksgiving holiday, there’s so much to be thankful for this year as we begin to gather with family and friends,” Hannon continued. “For those whose loved ones have been affected by tobacco, we are grateful we can utilize our voices to prevent others from tobacco-related illness and death. One of the most effective ways to do this is by significantly increasing our state’s low tobacco tax. Let’s celebrate the holidays and mark this annual day of action by starting action to save adult and young lives from deadly tobacco products.”
If you or someone you know is trying to quit using tobacco products, call 1-800-Quit-NOW and visit cancer.org/Smokeout.
About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. The group believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As ACS CAN marks its 20th anniversary, the organization is more determined than ever to stand together with volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting fightcancer.org.